Plan On!

November 15 - 17, 2013

1 -- Stuart,    2 -- Miami,    3 - Cat Cays     

I am always writing what our plans are and the next post tells how our plans changed.  Well, for once our plan seems to be our actual experience. 

Guy and Gary gave us fishing rods.  Then, Guy
helped us pick out reels and tackle.  We better
catch lots of fish to offset our expenses and to
supplement our pantry. 

We were at Loggerhead Marina in Stuart for 16 days.  Bonnie and Jon arrived on the 6th.  All four of us were busy little beavers as we continued to provision, repair and plan for "The Trip".  Considering that our past travels have never taken us more than 24 hours from a grocery store or marina, this is a big step.  When we leave Florida, we will be gone for six months.  We have vacationed in the Caribbean and Virgin Islands, but always on a charter or at a resort.  We never gave any thought to where we would buy food, find parts or make repairs.  That was someone else's problem!  This time it is our challenge.  The adventure is in the challenge and I have no doubt we will be challenged many times.  In the meantime, we have spent a huge amount of time and, of course, money trying to be prepared with the essentials.  Now, we'll see if we know what is essential!   

This house is sitting on a barge in the middle of the
intracoastal.  Not all of the homes are spectacular.

We left Stuart on Friday the 15th and headed south to Miami.  It was a leisurely trip on the intracoastal  with two short travel days.  Since Gail and John weren't flying into Miami until the 17th from Minnesota, we didn't have to rush.  It just felt good to get moving and quit preparing.  We have traveled this leg several times and never get tired of it.  This is the land of the rich and famous.  Emphasis on RICH!  Mile after mile of spectacular yachts and mansions.

We couldn't see the house -- this is the boat house! 

This is someone's private yacht.  It comes complete
with a 30 foot runabout, an inflatable, a 30+ foot
sailboat, helicopter, several jet skis.  Some people
just don't like to rough it.

Not the biggest of homes, but a pretty one on
a spectacular point of land.

On Sunday night, the 17th, we positioned our boats at an anchorage.  It is a short trip across the Gulf Stream -- only about 50 miles -- but it is recommended that boaters allow two to three days of good weather and calm seas to cross.  Right now, four good days are predicted!  By anchoring we can get an early start.  Positioning beyond the many bridges that would have to be opened for our passage will save us an hour or two.  It is not uncommon for boats to wait days or weeks for a weather window.  The fact that we had no wait is such a huge blessing!  Lets hope that it is the first of many.  

This guy was moving his dock to a new location
while it was attached to the boat……clever!

            



      

Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride!

Good-bye Jacksonville -- We Are On Our Way

October 24 - 29, 2013

Yes, we finally left Jacksonville and are on our way south to Stuart.  Once in Stuart we will make final preparations for our winter trip and wait for Bonnie and Jon to arrive. 
 

Downtown Jacksonville on a beautiful morning.

On Monday, the 21st, we got back to Jacksonville from a two week trip to visit all of our immediate family.  Besides seeing our kids in St Louis and Afton we went to Detroit for Brian's 50th high school reunion, where we stayed with my brother and sister-in-law and visited with their two children and grand kiddies.  The pace was fast, but we had a great time with everyone including a few friends that we met for lunch along the way.

This Navy ship hit the bridge deck in the distance.
The bridge is closed for at least a month for repairs.
Hey, even the pros sometimes miscalculate!

We've seen a lot of cargo ships, but never like this.
Four cranes lifting containers off.  It took just
minutes to unload each one.

I started a diet on July 16th, and in spite of the vacation, I managed to loose the last  3.5 pounds while we were gone.  In just over three months I lost 36.5 pounds!  Now, the hard part -- keeping it off!  Portion control has never been my strong suit.       

There were almost as many adults in costume as
children.  

The anchor is up -- Ready for another beautiful day.

Traveling south we spent our first two nights anchored in quiet bays.  The third night we stopped in Cocoa, a small town that we had visited briefly on our way north last spring.  It has lots of shops, restaurants and a huge old fashioned  hardware that  has something for everyone.  We arrived in time for a Halloween party that took over the entire town.    

It started off with three dolphins swimming towards
us.  Others joined in until we had eight on our bow.
These four were thumping into the boat.  Four more
were just as active on the other side.    

On Sunday morning it seemed that all of God's marine creatures were showing off for us.

We seldom see manatees, but today we saw about
thirty.  I even got a picture of this one.  My shadow
was in the foreground as I took the picture.  That
wasn't planned -- just a lucky shot.  

  

A new variety of jellyfish.
We were surrounded by them.
From the top they looked like hamburger buns.  

      












The next two days we slowed our speed and shortened our days to relax and enjoy more anchorage time.  One night near Melbourne and the other near Ft Pierce.  Tomorrow we arrive in Stuart.   We will stay in Loggerhead Marina for about two weeks.  It is a couple hundred dollars less than Sunset Bay (where we usually stay) for the month and gives us the option of staying in their sister marinas south of Stuart to complete our month's rental fee.  Since we will need to position near Lake Worth, to wait for a weather window -- this should work out well.  You know how it is with plans…. stay tuned for how it really plays out!

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

The Beginning Of Change

September 19th - October 7th, 2013

After being in Jacksonville for 4 1/2 months, things are going to finally start happening.  Tomorrow morning we will move the boat to Huckins Yachts to have Gotta Smile pulled out of the water.  Someone (not me -- for once) hit a submerged rock last year and broke one of the stabilizer fins.  The bottom will get a good cleaning and additional work will be determined.  There always seems to be a list of things.  I'm preparing myself for the report.  

Wednesday morning we fly to St Louis to begin a circle tour to visit our family and go to Brian's 50 year class reunion.  When we return to Jacksonville, it will be time to head for Stuart and make final preparations for the islands!  In my mind, I can almost see us sailing off.  We've been planning this trip for so long, I can't believe that we are now beginning the final countdown!  I'm sure we have over prepared, but this is our first time in new territory -- it is better to have more than needed.  Hopefully, we will be in the Caribbean again for many winters and the process will get easier each time.

Monday night our good friends, Ann and Jim, from
Long Boat Key were in Jacksonville.  Dinner and lots
of conversation -- a fun reunion!    

October 8th, 2013

The day started very early.  Up and in the shower at 6:00.  Finish packing, get the suitcases to the car, check out of the marina and prepare to move the boat.  We are expected at Huckins by 9 AM.  It was a very short trip -- no more than a mile.  Two dock hands were waiting for us when we arrived.  The river has a lot of current in this area because their property is adjacent to two bridges.  Thus causing the boat to have it's own agenda.  Once we were close enough to the dock, I threw the lines and we were walked into the travel hoist.  I've never been around for this process.  It was interesting to see how they lift 60,000 pounds so effortlessly.  

Positioning for the lift.

 The straps are lowered that will slip
under our hull.

Gotta Smile is floated into place over
 the straps.

The slack is taken out of the straps and
slowly our home is lifted out of the water.

The lift driver now moves the lift carrying
our boat to dry land.

Work begins immediately.
First step is to power wash her bottom.
 Additional work is noted.
All of the zincs need to be replaced.
(Zincs are sacrificial pieces of metal that
save critical metal parts on the boat from
deterioration -- rudder, etc.)  
Wax and polish the exterior.
And, of course, fix the broken stabilizer fin.
More to follow -- I'm sure! 

Everything worked out for the best.  We barely got back to our car when the rain started, making us so thankful that we moved the boat early.  The rain stopped long enough for Brian to have one more meal at Maple Street Biscuits.  Then, more rain.  It is an ugly day.  We checked into the Hampton Inn early so Brian could take a nap while I catch up on the computer.  The Hampton has a great program that offers FREE shuttle service to the airport and FREE parking while we travel.  How sweet is that?          

Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride

An Apology To My Faithful Readers

September 5 - September 18, 2013

I have to apologize to all of you that have continued to faithfully read my blog.  It has been pretty darn boring for at least six months.  We haven't been traveling very much due to my knee surgery and family activities.  Please hang on and I guarantee that things will get more interesting once we are moving towards the islands in November.  Until then I will continue posting occasionally, with the mundane things that are happening in our lives.  I guess this a good life lesson for me -- you can be in a place that you love, living the life that you have dreamt of and still every day is not filled with exciting new experiences.  Occasionally we have to slow down and recharge.  As we spend time here in Jacksonville, I'm recharging by taking time to swim and read books again.  Just a couple of things I have neglected.  Oh, I almost forgot.  I got a MAC computer and iPhone so my brain cells are being stimulated as I try to learn this new communication system.  Weekly classes are helping, but it is a challenge.       

Thank goodness we have a car with us.
We love driving to some of the other cities
and towns that surround Jacksonville.
There are lots of interesting places that
can be seen in a day.  Of course, my location
in the car is always the passenger's seat.  Brian
 thinks that his role of 'captain' extends to all
 things motorized.   

Jacksonville has the largest population of any of the
cities in Florida and is the largest city by area in the
contiguous United States.  But, like many large cities,
it is struggling to bring the population downtown in
 the evening.  The first Wednesday of each month is
 Artwalk.  Many of the downtown restaurants, galleries
and street performers co-operate for the event and it is
working.  The night that we attended was packed.  In
case you are having a difficult time deciphering my
photo --- it is a woman twirling and balancing a big
stick that is burning on both ends.
   

Amelia Island is about a half hour north
of Jacksonville.  It has a history of living
under eight different flags.  They like to say
"the French visited, the Spanish developed,
the English named and the Americans
tamed."   At the north end of the island is
the town of Fernandina.  A 50 block area of
the downtown is on the National Historic
Places registry.  Because the town fell into
obscurity when Flagler's railroad bypassed
the island, the Victorian homes were repaired
rather than replaced.  Their heritage was
preserved.  In our travels we are always
looking for seafood shacks or dives that are
local favorites.  During a downpour we ran
into Timoti's, and had a great lunch.  As we
left we saw the sign proclaiming it one of
Coastal Living's top picks for this year.        

Daytona Beach is famous for the hard packed sand 

that allows cars to drive on it.  Brian is meticulous 

in the care of his cars.  So you understand that it 

was only out of true love that he agreed to take the 

car on the beach subjecting it to sand and salt spray.  

For me it was a walk down memory lane.  In 1966 I 

  came here with three sorority sisters for Spring Break.

Nothing more to say on that topic.

We discovered San Marco, a cute neighborhood, within
Jacksonville.  Maple Street Biscuit Company is a new
restaurant located on the main street.  The owner, Gus,
is one of those super nice guys that you just pray will be
successful.  Their specialty is delicious meals and sandwiches
on the flakiest biscuits. The last time we stopped Brian had
 just about licked his plate clean when the chef came out
with a new dessert and asked him to critique it......
A cinnamon apple biscuit, topped with whipped cream
and carmel sauce.  I don't think they could have created
something more perfect for Brian.  Of course, he loves this
picture with his mouth full.    

St Augustine remains one of our favorite neighboring
cities.  It is about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville
with a huge outlet mall on the way.  St Augustine
offers abundant history, a beautiful coastline, lots
of shopping and restaurants.  Most of it is within a
reasonable walk -- especially if the summer
temperatures dip below 90 degrees.    

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

When Will I Learn?

August 23 - September 3, 2013

I've got to stop announcing what our plans are.  My last blog talked about us leaving for Stuart the beginning of September.  Guess what?  It's not going to happen!  To those of you that don't live on a boat, you probably make plans and that is all there is to it.  You follow through on those plans.  Living on a boat offers a few more variables.  

The unexpected variable this time is unprecedented levels of bacteria polluting the east and west coasts where the Okeechobee drains.  The pollution came primarily from the Northern Everglades Agricultural Area where most of the country's sugar cane is grown.  Extremely heavy rainfall in the area caused flooding that carried sewage, manure and fertilizer into the water causing a fluorescent green and black slime of toxic algae.  It is recommended that no one touch this water.  Beaches in the adjacent areas are closed.  It just made sense for us to stay in Jacksonville where the water isn't pristine, but it isn't toxic.  Now we will probably stay here until the end of October........oops, there I did it again!  

We have started meeting more people in the marina that also live on their boats.  The last two Thursdays we were invited to barbecues and we were amazed at the stories. Many of the couples have been living on board for twelve or more years and one couple took the last twelve years to circumnavigate the world.  We feel like total newbies!  



Searching for entertainment here in Jacksonville, we found that every Saturday the Riverside Arts Market is held under a large freeway bridge.  When I read about it, the image of Billy Goat Gruff and the Troll came to my mind.  However, it is a great location.  The bridge deck offers shade that makes the 90+ degree weather comfortable.  A small amphitheater at one end has wonderful acoustics and a view of the St John's River.  Like the markets in other cities, this one was both a craft show and farmer's market with live music and food  trucks.  A little something for everyone!

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!         

Tube Dude Is Ready To Travel And So Are We

August 15 - 22, 2013

 

It is so good to be back home on Gotta Smile.  When we were gone for two months, I said to Brian that I could hardly remember that we lived on our boat.  I was surprised that he felt the same way.  It is amazing how quickly we can adapt to what life hands us.  Well, luckily, we did remember where we belong and found our way home.  

On the ferry boat to Amelia Island.  We had to
pause while this behemoth passed.   

We are staying in Jacksonville until the beginning of September (wow, summer is gone).  There are many interesting places  to visit:  Amelia Island, St Augustine, Fernandina Beach and,  of course, Jacksonville.  We love to drive through small towns, looking at the residential areas.  When we tire of life on the sea, we'd love to find an affordable home in a small community near the ocean or gulf and also near a large city.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.......   No plans to change our lifestyle now, but it is a good pastime.  

A day trip to one of our favorite cities in Florida,
St Augustine.

 

We are staying at Ortega Landing.  It is a very nice facility with a pool and hot tub and easy access to the necessities of life.  We came here because of their lower monthly rate.  Leaving the boat for two months, we wanted a secure and reasonable location. The monthly fee was reasonable, but later we found that the electrical fee was $200 per month for each of the months that we were gone.  We were shocked and disappointed that a closed boat with only a refrigerator, air conditioner and two LED lights could possibly use that much electricity.  In the past two years the highest fee we have paid for a month of electricity was $75.  I'm nervous about what this month will be with us living on board.  Just a word of caution.  I'm not sure how anyone can anticipate this kind of fee when the electricity is metered.  


 

'The Dude' has a new flag and is ready for the
adventures to begin.

It is official -- well, as official as anything can be on the water -- abort the plan to head to Trinidad this year. We will spend winter in the Virgin Islands.  I can't be too upset about this change because St John in the US Virgin Islands is one of my most favorite places on earth!!!  We hope to be there by Thanksgiving and stay into February.  Bonnie and Jon on Bon Voyage will be traveling with us. Guaranteed fun!!!!  In preparation for the adventure we have been loading up on staples that we won't be able to easily purchase in the islands.  This has caused us to reorganize our storage areas and plan ahead.  (Something that we don't often do.  We are great at flying by the seat of our pants.)  We are constantly amazed at the storage we have on our 48 Krogen.  Even after we have loaded up on most everything we can think of, we still have additional space that is EMPTY.  And, it is space that is easily accessible.  No fear -- by the time we leave -- those too will be filled!    

One of three sections under the port side couch now
holds 173 cans and bottles.  Yes, it is all inventoried! 

 

 

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

Home Sweet Home!

July 20 - August 14, 2013

We left Jacksonville on June 11th and returned on August 11 -- exactly 2 months of travel and recuperation.  I don't think we could have landed in a better place than our daughter and son-in-law's home for all that we had to take care of.  They were very generous to put up with us for that long and even hosted some of our friends that stopped in for overnight visits.  But, with all of that said -- there really is no place like home.  We love to be surrounded by our own stuff and live on our own schedule. Let's face it!  No matter how grand or how humble there just isn't any place better than our own nest.  


"Thanks for giving me back my sea legs!"

 On August 5th I met with Dr. Wright, my surgeon.  He was very pleased with my progress and actually complemented me on my hard work.  Since he is a sports doctor, all of his examination rooms' walls are covered with photos of famous athletes that he has treated.  I presented him with an autographed picture of Brian and me and told him that he needed a common person on his walls.  He didn't laugh, but I did get a smile out of him and he said he'd get a frame to hang it.   I'm not expecting to see it on the wall.  I just wanted to get a little chuckle out of him.  

A morning at Grant's Farm

Our plan had been to head back to Florida as soon as I got the doctor's blessing.  However, our son, Steve, and his family came to St Louis on the 5th for a few days.  A great reason to postpone our departure.  It was heavenly to have most of the family together.  Unfortunately, Ian was scheduled to fly and couldn't change his schedule.  The four grandchildren are between 7 and 4.  Close enough in age to enjoy each other  and young enough to cause constant chaos!  

Two months in the hot Florida sun had left Gotta Smile looking a bit shabby.  The dust mixed with rain was baked on by daily temperatures in the  90's.  Brian tackled it first with soap and water, but then got out the power washer to add a little more muscle.  There are still areas that will need polish to get the grime off.  Luckily the interior just needed a little dusting and vacuuming to get it back in shape.  We always bring back more stuff.  My biggest challenge was finding where to put the new stuff and what stuff to get rid of.  Neither Brian or I like to live with clutter so a lot of organization is required.   

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!